Laboring Mom Gives Birth in Car After Hospital Turnaround

A distressing incident occurred last month when Mercedes Wells was discharged from Franciscan Health Crown Point while in active labor, only to give birth in her car moments later. Her husband, Leo, described feeling unheard and that the situation was a "replay of the same day" during a recent meeting with hospital administrators. The family, accompanied by their attorney, Cannon Lambert Sr., sought answers and assurances of change.

While the doctor and nurse directly involved in turning Mercedes away were terminated, the family's attorney believes other staff members also failed in their duty of care. The hospital's president, Raymond Grady, stated that mandatory cultural competency training for labor and delivery staff has been introduced. He expressed confidence that the hospital shares the family's goal of ensuring compassionate and equitable patient care.

In response to the event, Franciscan Health Crown Point has implemented a new policy requiring a physician's examination for any pregnant patient leaving the labor and delivery unit. The Wells family and their legal team plan to reconvene with hospital leadership in approximately two weeks to continue discussions on accountability and systemic improvements.